Norway Seeks Stronger Partnership With Zambia

Norway has hailed Zambia as an excellent partner for investment and development, particularly at a time when global cooperation is under threat from trade wars.

Speaking during a visit to State House, Norwegian Minister of International Development, Asumund Aukrust, said, “With very clear attacks on multilateralism, there is so much uncertainty, but what I am certain of is we need strong partners and friends, and we think Zambia is an excellent partner and has been so for decades, and we want to strengthen that partnership even more”

President Hakainde Hichilema praised Norway’s management of natural resources, saying, “Norway’s management of its oil and gas resources is truly admirable. During my early days in opposition, I visited Norway and saw how the country invested in children’s development and skills for the economy. That model is important.”

Norway's Minister of International Development told those at the meeting that although Norway has increased its development assistance, it cannot fill the gap left by aid cuts from other countries. 

Aukrust went on to explain that private investment is the most effective way to bridge the gap between development assistance and reducing aid budgets.

President Hichilema added, “We are concerned about global trade. We should replace trade wars with greater cooperation and investments together, and the world will be better for it.”